Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
"Frequently Asked Questions" is a forum to provide quick answers to common questions. As we become aware of uncertainies regarding our website, we will add entries to this page. We encourage you to contact us to ask for clarification about anything on this site.
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Index
General Questions
What is Photo Stock Source?
Who buyes these kinds of photos?
How do I order a photograph?
What browsers do you support?
Does your website require or use cookies?
How do I order a photograph?
What kind of camera do you use?
How many photographs are on your website?
How many panoramas are on your website?
How many galleries are on your website?
How many webpagess are on your website?
How can I get announcements and promotional material?
How do I remove my name from your promotions list?
What is Photo Stock Source?
Photo Stock Source is an online provider of original digitized photographs of people and places from all over the world. All photos on this website were photographed by Jon R. Holmquist, who has not only been a photographer for over 30 years, but who also has extensive experience in computer technology and software development. This has enabled him to to be the sole designer and developer of this website. At Photo Stock Source, you're going directly to the source. We have complete control over every aspect of content on our website. We encourage feedback about what works and doesn't work on this website. Read more about Photo Stock Source.
Who buys these kinds of photos?
We sell to individual consumers, advertising and design agencies, corporations, publishers (newspapers, magazines, text books, etc.), calendar and greeting card companies, new media professional, television and film producers, government and non-profit organizations, CD producers, etc.How do I buy a photo?
You can allow us to assist you by using an Email Order, or do it yourself online using the
Buy button found under all Gallery, Lightbox, and Search Results thumbnail photos.
What browsers do you support?
This website targets modern browsers like FireFox, Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, etc. It has been tested and should be fully functional (albeit with some loss of intended "look and feel") as far back as Internet Explorer 4.x and Netscape 4.x. We do not use frames, flash, or relatively new techniques that we feel aren't yet completely established. We do use Adobe Acrobat reader for the viewing and printing of invoices.
Does your website use or require cookies?
No. Cookies are not used on this website. You can set up an Account, check your Lightbox, etc. without having to have cookies enabled in your browser. We store NO information on your computer.
What kind of camera do you use?
Jon has typically used Nikon cameras for all of his career, from an old F2 to more recently an N80, and he currently is using a digital Nikon D200. For larger formats he uses a Bronica 2 1/4". This site contains photos from both formats, but the majority are 35mm.
How many photographs are on your website?
This site currently contains 23533 photos.
How many panoramas are on your website?
This site currently contains 448 panoramic photos.
How many galleries are on your website?
This site currently contains 932 active galleries, not including gallery indexes.
How many web pages are on your website?
This site currently contains 25802 pages.
How can I get announcements and promotional material?
When you 'Sign Up' for a new account, there is a check box for the question "I wish to receive promotional materials" at the bottom. You must purposely "opt-in", by checking this box, if you want promos. If you already have an account, choose Account: Update at the bottom of all pages, check this box, and select "Update" to change this option. Each time promos are sent out - only those who currently have this selected will receive them.
How do I remove my name from your promotions list?
When you 'Sign Up' for a new account, there is a check box for the question "I wish to receive promotional materials" at the bottom. You will normally not receive promotional materials unless you purposely check this box. If you already have an account, choose Account: Update at the bottom of all pages, uncheck this box, and select "Update" to change this option. Each time promos are sent out - only those who currently have this selected will receive them.
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Pricing & Products
How much do your photo products cost?
What is the Price List?
What is a Custom Quote Request?
How can I get a Photo Comp from you?
Are the photos I might buy sharper and than what I see here?
What are Rights Protected Photos?
What are Royalty Free Photos?
Why are many photos available as both Rights Protected and Royalty Free Licenses?
Can I order prints of your photographs?
Can I get a model release for a photo?
Can I get a custom scan of a photo I'm interested in?
I really want a larger version of a photo I just bought. Do I have to pay again
How can I get an unwatermarked version of a photo?
How can I find out about the license history of a photo?
How much do your photo products cost?
How much do your photo products cost?
Photo Prints are priced depending on size and are priced from $2.95 Royalty Free licensed photos have their fee based soley on the size and resolution of the photo you need. These license fees start at $15.95 Rights Protected licensed photos are the highest quality, and most expensive, product type, of interest generally to the graphics design professional. The license fee is based on the intended use of the photo and starts at $14.95 for a small, low resolution use.
You can check prices right now in the Buy Now/Price List Demo
In the event your needs aren't covered in the Price List, please you can submit a Custom Quote Request by contacting us.
You can read more about Pricing and Product information.
What is the Price List?
The Price List is what appears whenever you click on the Buy button found under all Gallery, Lightbox, and Search Results thumbnail photos.
What is a Custom Quote Request?
A Custom Quote Request is simply a manual way of buying by first contacting us with your needs.
How can I get a Photo Comp from you?
Photo Comps (or comprehensive renderings) are available by accessing any
Enlarge button (or clicking on any thumbnail image). They will contain our watermark. Read more about Pricing and Product information.
Are the photos I might buy sharper than what I see here?
Definitely! Depending on the size of your computer screen and your browser settings, you generally can only display photos at less than 100 lines per inch of resolution. When you buy a photo, it has been scanned at many times that resolution. The color rendition you see can also be improved.
What are Rights Protected Photos?
Rights Protected licensed photos are photos that must be licensed for a specific use. The fee for these photos is calculated from several factors including usage, size, placement, duration, and geographic location. Rights Protected photos are licensed for a specific use and cannot be used for any purpose other than what is specified when licensing the photo. Photo Stock Source provides both Rights Protected or Royalty Free licenses. If you are looking for a unique photo then consider the Rights Protected licensing model. It provide a more distinct, and usually higher quality, photo than Royalty Free.
What are Royalty Free Photos?
Royalty Free licensed photos are photos that can be used multiple times, for almost any usage (refer to each manufacturer's licensing agreement for exact specifications). Royalty Free license pricing is based only on size (not usage) and there are never additional fees for using the photo. Royalty Free photos can often be ordered with other Royalty Free photos on discs for an added value.
Why are some photos available as both Rights Protected and Royalty Free?
Because our photos are relatively fresh on the market, many have not yet been licensed, so they are still available under either license. However, since we guarantee exclusivity for Rights Protected licenses, as soon as one is licensed, it becomes permanently unavailable under a Royalty Free license.
Can I order prints of your photographs?
Definitely yes. They are one of the products we offer. Read more about Pricing and Product information
Can I get a model release for a photo?
Most photos are shot in the public domain. No photo on this website comes with a model, trademark, logo or other intellectual property release. However, in some case, obtaining a model release may be possible. You accept full responsibilities for assuring that your use of the photo does not involve the need for such releases.
Can I get a custom scan of a photo I'm interested in?
Yes. You can submit a Custom Quote Request by contacting us , and specifying the license type, usage, resolution, size of the photo you want.
I really want a larger version of a photo I just bought. Do I have to pay again?
No - but only if you let us know within 30 days of the original order date. You will be charged only for the difference in the upgrade - if any.
How can I get an unwatermarked version of a photo?
All photos displayed on this website have a logo watermark overlayed upon them - including Photo Comps. This watermark is designed to prevent theft. The only way to get a photo without a watermark is to order one - purchased photos will not not have our watermark on them. Photo Comps are not available without watermarks.
How can I find about about the license history of a photo?
You can inquire about photo license history by contacting Photo Stock Source and asking your question in the text area. Be sure to include the photo number. We'll respond by email and disclose non-private information about the photo's license history.
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Exploring Photos
How can I access and view your photos?
How can I see an enlarged version of a photo?
How can I access and view your photos?
There are three methods for accessing our photos:
- Galleries
There are many preloaded gallery pages for you to peruse. They are arranged by general geographic location or subject. You start at the main Galleries Index page and "drill down" from there. Read more about Using the Galleries.
- Lists
There are several listings of photos titles and descriptions. They are sorted in different orders. You click on the text of the description in order to view a large version of the photo. You start at the main Lists Index page and choose your list from there. Read more about Using the Lists.
- Searches
The most effective way to find photos you want is to search for them. All pages on this website have access to the search tool in the upper right and bottom. You enter one or more keywords and choose whether you want photos that match 'any' of your words, or photos that only match 'all' of them. Your results display in a page that looks just like a Gallery. Read more about Using the Search Tool.
How can I see an enlarged version of a photo?
From any Gallery, Lightbox, History, or Search results page, either click directly on the small thumbnail photo, or on the
button
From a List, simply click on the photo number.
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Using Lightbox
What is a Lightbox?
Do I have to use a Lightbox to buy a photo?
Do I have to have an account to use my Lightbox?
Can I check what I've previously held in my Lightbox?
What is a lightbox?
A Lightbox is a viewing area where you can save photos to review or order later on. You can see what it looks like by viewing the Lightbox Demo.
You can view the Galleries, Lists, and do Searches without having to use a Lightbox. You can order photos manually using email - or use the Lightbox for an online order. Lightboxes are great for saving photos that you are interested in, and are the best way to have photos approved by a client or supervisor before you buy.
Each Lightbox can store as many photos as you would like. Photo Stock Source does not put a time limit on your Lightbox, and never deletes it. However, you can delete it yourself.
In your Lightbox you can:
- Add photos
- View large version of photos
- Order photos
- Go Back to the page the last photo you came from
- Delete single phots
- Delete all of the photos in your Lightbox
- Check order status of an ordered photo
- Reprint an invoice of an ordered photo
Do I have to use a Lightbox to buy a photo?
No. You can buy photos directly from the Gallery or Seach pages you find them on by using the Buy button. Your Lightbox is just a convenient place to "park" photos you're interested in for later review and comparison.
Do I have to have an Account to use my Lightbox?
No. However, if you want the contents of you Lightbox to be saved, and available next time you visit, you must 'Sign Up' for an account and 'Sign In' during your visit. If you haven't set up an account with us, click "Account: Sign Up" from the bottom of any page. Read more about Using your Account.
Can I check what I've previously held in my Lightbox?
Not exactly. But you can check everything you've previously ordered by clicking on Account History at the bottom of all pages. It works in very much the same way as your Lightbox does - and you do have to be 'Signed In' to use it.
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Using Account
What is an "account" and why is it necessary?
How can I open an account with you?
How do you protect the privacy of the information I submit to you?
What is an "account" and why is it necessary?
You can read all about Using your Account which allows you to:
- store and retrieve your current Lightbox when you 'Sign In'
- access your Order History
- reload your Contact Info
- track Order Status
- access and reprint order invoices
It is intended for repeat customers who want to keep track of their orders and not have to re-enter information each time. You can always order photos via email without the need for opening an account.
How can I open an account with you?
You 'Sign Up' for an account by clicking on the Account: Sign Up button at the bottom of any page on our website. You'll need to fill in your Sign In details - your Email and password, and your Contact Details - your bill to and ship to addresses, phone numbers, etc. Read more about Using your Account.
How do you protect the privacy of the information I submit to you?
We don't sell or divulge your personal information, including your email address, to any other party. Buying online can include using a credit card. Here, you provide PayPal with your credit card information (and sign up for a PayPal account if you don't already have one) on their secure site. Your contact information is automatically forwarded to them so you don't have to re-enter it. We do not store, or ever have access, to your credit information. For a complete overview of how we protect your information, read our Privacy Statement
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Buying
How do I buy a photo?
What payment methods do you provide?
How quickly can I get my order?
Can I download photos immediately after I've ordered them?
Can I get the original transparency of a photo I'm interested in?
Can I see my past orders?
How can I get a quote for projects not covered in the Price List?
What is your cancellation/refund policy if I change my mind?
What if I have trouble downloading a product?
What's the difference between the RGB and CMYK color mode?
Why do you offer two File Format Delivery Options (JPEG/TIFF)?
How will I know when you have shipped my order?
Am I required to give Photo Stock Source a Photo Credit Line?
Is it safe to use my credit card on your website?
What forms of payment do you accept?
What currencies do you accept?
How do I buy a photo?
You can order photos via email, with our assistance, or automatically, online.
What payment methods do you provide?
We accept payment via major credit cards using Paypal. You can also opt to send a check or money order by regular mail.
How quickly can I get my order?
This can range from same day, to several days. If you pay by credit card, and the photo you've specified is small enough to download, you can download usually within 24 hours of when we receive payment verification from PayPal. If you're receiving a CD or a mailed print, it is shipped the same day payment is received, and depending on your location, you should receive it within a few days.
Can I download photos immediately after I've ordered them?
The quickest order method is by credit card, and photo download - however it is not immediate. As soon as we receive payment verification from PayPal your photo is made available for download and you are notified. This most often should happen within a few hours.
Can I get the original transparency of a photo I'm interested in?
No. Our business is online and digital - original transparencies are not available. You can request custom scan resolutions and image sizes by submitting a Custom Quote Request. However, there can be exceptions under special circumstances.
Can I see my past orders?
Yes. You can access all of your past order information by clicking on Account History. You must first be signed in. All photos you've ever ordered will display in a format just like your Lightbox. You can click on the
Order History button at the bottom of each page to retrieve order information and allows you to reprint the invoice.
How can I get a quote for projects not covered by the Price List?
You can get a price for any product and option, including custom scan sizes, by submitting a Custom Quote Request simply by contacting us and explaining your needs.
What is your cancellation/refund policy if I change my mind?
We can only cancel - and refund (or credit) payment of - an order up until the point at which it is shipped or downloaded. Sales are considered final when a product is shipped or downloaded.
What if I have trouble downloading a product?
Your download file will remain accessible for retries until we receive notification of success - but not indefinitely. If for some reason downloads are unfeasible, we will gladly send you a CD file ASAP. We will ensure that you receive your file.
What's the difference between the RGB and CMYK color mode?
These are two different color modes. RGB stands for red-green-blue. These are the three colors used on computer display screens. On the other hand, commercial printing invariable requires that photos be converted to CMYK: cyan-magenta-yellow-black in order to make color separations and film for 4-color offset printing. An RGB file can be converted to CMYK, but this can occasionally alter the color. We deliver all photos in the RGB color mode unless you request otherwise.
Why do you offer two File Format Delivery Options (JPEG/TIFF)?
These two file formats have differing advantages:
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a file compression technique that provides relatively compact file sizes. However, this format is "lossy" - over repeated cycles of resizing, file detail is lost.
TIFF(Tagged Image File Format), on the other hand, is "lossless". It retains detail information - however it cannot be compressed nearly as small as JPEG.
Depending on whether or not you want to be able to download the file online, you may choose one over the other. The 'Buy Now' screen will show you the file format based on your delivery option. If your file is too large to download, you will be warned that you must receive the photo by CD instead.
How will I know when you have shipped my order?
You can 'Sign In' and check your Account: (Order) History anytime. Look at the Order History button at the bottom of each page. As soon as we ship it, It is updated as the Order Status changes.
Am I required to give Photo Stock Source a Credit Line?
In the spirit of professionalism, we request that you provide a photo Credit Line for any editorial use of a photo in the format: "© Jon R. Holmquist - Photo Stock Source, according to your standard placement preference. Where possible we also request a copyright notice as well.
Is it safe to use my credit card on your site?
Yes. However, to be specific, when you make a credit card order on our website, you are taken directly to the secure PayPal website. Read about PayPal security - they are the premier online payment provider for EBay. None of your credit card details are stored, or even accessible, from our website. If you don't yet have a PayPal account, you'll need to set one up the first time.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept, via PayPal, all the major credit cards Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover. By regular mail, we accept checks (both corporate and personal), money orders, and cashiers checks. Products are not shipped until checks are cleared. All payments other than by credit card - must be in U.S. dollars.
What currencies do you accept?
If payment is by credit card, we can accept, via PayPal, virtually all the major world currencies - they do the conversion. If payment is by check or money order - we require that it be in U.S. dollars.
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Searching
Can I search for a photo on your website?
Can I search your website for web page text?
How do I know which Keywords to search with?
How do I know which Keywords to search with?
Are parts of my keywords also used when I search?
What languages does your search engine support?
Can I search for a photo on your website?
Yes, this is the most effective way to find photos you want. All pages on this website have access to the search tool in the upper right and bottom. You enter one or more keywords and hit enter. Your results display in a page that looks just like a Gallery. Read more about Using the Search Tool
Can I search your website for web page text?
Yes, the search tool allows you to search for either photos or web page text. All pages on this website have been indexed and are searchable using the search tool found in the upper right and bottom of all web pages. You enter one or more keywords and optional boolean operatores and then hit return. Your results will be listed with links to the pages they are found on. Read more about Using the Search Tool.
How do I know which Keywords to search with?
For photos searches the best way is to check the active Keyword List. This shows you how many photos will be found for each keyword, indexed in alphabetical order.
Are parts of my keywords also used when I search?
Yes.
Our search engine uses an advanced technique called "stemming". It automatically finds, and includes, the "stems" of your keywords in searches. For example, if you search for "running", the search engine will also include matches on the word "run". If you search for a plural word like "towers", you'll also get results for the singular form: "tower".
What languages does your search engine support?
This website is written in English and searching is based on English. However, there are some foreign locations that are spelled using the local language. For example, the famous castle island in France is "Mont Saint Michel".
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